Did you know New York State has a literacy rate of under 80%? Sadly, our literacy rate is among the ten lowest in the US. The most significant portion of Americans learn to read during their early childhood years. This is why literacy-focused activities are paramount within our early childhood education programs.
Introducing Children to Reading
While infants and toddlers may not grasp the concept of reading, introducing it during these stages helps kickstart the development of brain areas essential for future literacy. At Harbor Child Care, we incorporate reading activities into our programs daily, creating an environment that nurtures and encourages literacy.
Pre-Kindergarten – Early Emergent Readers
Students in prekindergarten are at the early emergent reader level and have not yet developed the foundational word reading skills necessary to read texts independently. Prekindergarten children should experience a balance of literature and informational texts in the context of instruction designed to create opportunities to engage with a variety of topics, texts, and discussions that support language development and knowledge building. Creating this learning environment for emergent readers can take a variety of formats, including read-alouds, shared readings, pretend readings, learning activities and play that incorporates literacy materials, talking, experimenting with written materials, and other literacy activities.
Promoting Literacy Outside of the Classroom
One of the easiest and most effective ways to encourage children to read is reading. When children see you or another family member reading, they can develop a positive association with the activity. Your children look up to you. So, be their reading role model!
